So you’re new to motocross and wondering what some basics are to get started in the sport… Luckily for you I’m putting a focus on helping young and new riders learn the necessities for getting started in motocross. This is the first post of many to come focused on tips for riders new to motocross.

Do:

Take your time, learn to ride your bike in a field and understand how the controls work before taking it to the woods or a track.

Get your bike’s suspension set-up for your weight.

Ask better riders questions, their advice may not be perfect, but it will be better than no advice at all.

Find a reputable mx school where you can learn the fundamentals of motocross.

Keep track of other riders on the track – both in front of you and coming up behind you. Not by looking back, but by looking up at lanes in front of you and using peripheral vision on lanes to your left and right.

Don’t:

Buy a 450 or a 250 two stroke for your first bike (probably not even a 250f).

Ride without proper protective equipment.

Ride over your head.

Feel the need to hit every jump at the track.

Look Back.

A note on holding your line

Since you are just getting into motocross you are probably not fully up on track etiquette. To not piss other riders off, do your best to hold your line when someone comes up on you. This is especially important on jumps. If you have time without cutting the faster rider off who is coming up on you, give them the favorable line, many tracks these days are one lined making it hard to make a pass even if there is a major speed difference between riders.

Why should you follow these do’s and dont’s?

They will help you become a faster rider and avoid injury. Once you learn how to ride with proper technique and bike control, you will continue to get faster and have more fun with a lower chance of injury.